New Zealand coach Steve Hansen bemoaned his side's slow start but says he is proud of the way his players fought their way back into contention in Saturday's 27-25 defeat to South Africa that ended their 22-game unbeaten run.

Replacement flyhalf Pat Lambie landed a 52-metre penalty with a minute to go as South Africa ended New Zealand's 22-game unbeaten run with a 27-25 victory in their final Rugby Championship clash today.

A Springboks victory over New Zealand in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship would go a long way towards changing the mindset of both teams with next year's World Cup fast approaching, according to South Africa lock Victor Matfield.